The National Identification Authority (NIDA) has pledged to ensure every Tanzanian has access to official identification by 2030, reaffirming its mission during World Identity Day celebrations held yesterday in Temeke Municipality.
The event, organized in partnership with the Temeke Department of Social Welfare, carried the theme “My Identity, My Umbrella.”
It focused on people with disabilities, a group that often faces unique challenges in accessing national IDs.
Mr. Edson Guyai, Director of Identification Production in Temeke District, said the day was dedicated to making registration easier for people with disabilities, including those with visual and mobility impairments.
“Our goal is to reach every citizen, but today we are focusing on people with disabilities who usually face more difficulties than others in obtaining IDs. Through NIDA, we want to ensure they are registered, recognized, and fully included in political, religious, and economic life,” he said.
Mr. Guyai stressed that NIDA’s guiding message is “Register, Recognize, and We Will Identify You.”
He noted that listening to feedback from people with disabilities was an important step toward improving services nationwide.
Temeke District Social Welfare Officer, Ms. Restituta Simon Bujiku, commended NIDA for choosing to highlight inclusivity.
“We thank the National Identification Authority for recognizing the needs of people with disabilities and for making Temeke an example. This shows real commitment to equal service,” she said.
Community members also welcomed the initiative. Mr. Juma Mlawa, a representative of people with disabilities in Temeke, said the registration exercise was a practical solution.
“This has helped us by registering and giving us IDs, and even small tokens like umbrellas. We have also learned how a national ID supports us in social, political, and economic activities,” he said.
NIDA has positioned itself as a key institution in strengthening access to rights and services, and through such outreach programmes, it aims to ensure that no Tanzanian is left behind.